Sacramento union group endorses Steinberg for mayor

The Sacramento Central Labor Council is endorsing former state Senate leader Darrell Steinberg in his race for Sacramento mayor. Randall Bentonrbenton@sacbee.com

The Sacramento Central Labor Council is endorsing former state Senate leader Darrell Steinberg in his race for Sacramento mayor. Randall Bentonrbenton@sacbee.com

The Sacramento Central Labor Council, one of the region’s most influential labor groups, has endorsed former state Senate leader Darrell Steinberg in his campaign for mayor, the group announced Wednesday.

Fabrizio Sasso, executive director of the labor council, said Steinberg “has a proven track record of working with labor.”

He cited Steinberg’s tenure as Senate president pro tem during years in which the state faced historic budget deficits. While the city’s budget has rebounded in recent years, budget officials have warned that large deficits may be on the horizon after a temporary sales tax increase expires in 2019.

“We feel confident that Darrell has the experience, the knowledge and the skills to ensure that the city of Sacramento workforce is protected, as well as our services,” Sasso said.

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Steinberg has also secured the endorsements of a majority of the Sacramento City Council and Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento.

He will face two-term Sacramento Councilwoman Angelique Ashby in the 2016 campaign. Ashby has the support of two key labor groups – the unions representing city police and firefighters.

Ashby’s campaign announced another endorsement on Wednesday. The North State Building Industry Association said it was supporting her campaign because she “has shown a passionate commitment to creating new housing opportunities for Sacramento families and has fought to improve flood protection, reduce crime and strengthen our community,” the group’s president, Michael Strech, said in a written statement.

Another key endorsement in the race may be announced soon.

The Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce was scheduled to host a private panel with both Steinberg and Ashby on Wednesday night. The candidates “will jointly discuss and share their vision for the City of Sacramento in front of members of the business community,” according to a Metro Chamber press release.